FILM REVIEWS #614

November 3rd, 2016

NOVEMBER 3, 2016
DEAR FRIENDS:
YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND PAST REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE- www.thereeldrbob.com
QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-
1) 7 ANOS– Netflix Streaming
2) CITY OF GOLD– Netflix Disc
3) MOONLIGHT– At theTheater
4) THE IDOL– Netflix Disc
5) CERTAIN WOMEN- At the Theater
6) SWEET BEAN– Netflix Streaming
7) IN A VALLEY OF VIOLENCE– Comcast On-Demand
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-
1) MOONLIGHT– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Growing up in the drug-soaked world of 1980s Miami, young Chiron struggles to make his way through a helter-skelter adolescence while also grappling with confusion and anxiety about his emerging sexuality.”

10/21/16- Excellent reviews from critics and audiences as well. TRDB.

10/30/16- A profoundly sad chronicle of a gay black child from “the hood”  becoming a gay black man. The movie was extremely well done- acting and music reminded me of an opera. This film, in ‘hood speak” really needed sub-titles as I feel that I missed a significant portion of the dialogue. TRDB.

2) CERTAIN WOMEN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this quiet drama, three Montana women try to find their way when life throws them curve balls. As lawyer Laura deals with a hostage crisis, Gina clashes with an elderly neighbor, and ranch hand Jamie becomes smitten with an adult education teacher.”

10/14/16- Excellent reviews by the critics but poor ones by audiences. TRDB.

10/31/16- Slow paced but very interesting with wonderful acting as well. TRDB. 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) 7 ANOS– 2016.

10/29/16- About 4 partners in a software company who must decide which of them will spend 7 years in prison so that the company may continue.

10/29/16- I liked it. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) CITY OF GOLD– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “From behind the wheel of his green pickup truck, acclaimed food writer Jonathan Gold sets off on a journey to explore the panoply of regional cuisines and trademark dishes to be found within the vast urban sprawl of Los Angeles.”

3/11/16- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

10/30/16- An excellent documentary just as much about LA and its culture as it is about food. TRDB. Netflix.

3) THE IDOL– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad, this fascinating biopic dramatizes the life story of wedding singer Mohammad Assaf, who surmounted the odds and became the first Palestinian vocalist to win “Arab Idol.”

5/27/16- Mostly good reviews from the critics but weak ones from audiences. TRDB.

10/31/16– This movie was much more than a rags to riches story and I enjoyed it– especially the relationships between the characters. TRDB.

4) SWEET BEAN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Looking for help in his bakery — where he specializes in doriyaki pastries — Sentaro hires 76-year-old Tokue. To Sentaro’s surprise, his new employee has a unique talent for making the popular delicacy … but she’s also hiding a troubling secret.”

3/18/16- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

10/31/16- I enjoyed this movie very much. The old woman was a great character. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

5) IN A VALLEY OF VIOLENCE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Fleeing his past for a better future in Mexico, Paul and his dog stop along the way in Denton, an all-but abandoned mining outpost now run by hooligans. When Paul clashes with the town marshal’s blowhard son, things take a vengeful turn.”

10/21/16- Overall this movie has positive reviews but there are a whole load of negative ones as well. TRDB.

11/2/16- A comedic old time shoot-em-up Western with a very good Ethan Hawke and equally good John Travolta. Accept it for what it is and enjoy!! TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, NOV .8-
1) VIKTORIA– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thanks to a fluke of nature, Viktoria is dubbed Bulgaria’s “Child of the Decade” and grows up at odds with her mother, who wanted to flee to the West. Over the years, their relationship parallels the struggles of the post-Communist era.”

4/29/16- Very good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.

2) PHANTOM BOY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “A mysterious illness has turned Leo into a phantom boy, enabling him to leave his body and explore the city as a ghostly apparition. While in the hospital, he befriends Alex, a New York City cop injured while attempting to capture a nefarious gangster who has taken control of the city’s power supply, throwing the metropolis into chaos. Now they must form an extraordinary duo, using Leo’s phantom powers and Alex’s detective work to foil the plot and save New York from destruction.”

7/15/16- Very good reviews from critics and audiences alike for this animated movie. TRDB.

3) INDIGNATION– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When he’s admitted to a rigidly Christian college in the Midwest, Marcus Messner also achieves another goal: to get away from his domineering Jewish dad. But Marcus’ optimism is soon tempered by a nettling dean and signs of anti-Semitism on campus.”

7/29/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.

8/6/16- I liked this movie very much. A painful story to watch but worth the effort. TRDB. 

4) MORRIS FROM AMERICA– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After moving to the provincial city of Heidelberg, Germany, African-American teen Morris Gentry has trouble making friends and takes refuge in hip-hop music — until pretty Katrin enters the picture.”

8/19/16- Excellent reviews from critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY, OCT. 28-
Recommended-
1) BY SIDNEY LUMET– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, Network — the list of entertaining and influential movies directed by Sidney Lumet goes on and on. In this engaging documentary filmed just a few years before his death, Lumet sheds light on his artistic process.”

10/28/16- Fair reviews for this documentary. One reviewer said that the problem with this movie was the same as the problem with Lumet’s movies in general. We’ll see! TRDB.

2) GIMME DANGER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “With wild vocalist Iggy Pop front and center, this affectionate documentary charts the history and legacy of 1960s proto-punk band the Stooges, from the group’s inception and dissolution to their 2010 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”

10/28/16- Very good reviews from critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

3) THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This empathetic documentary chronicles the experiences of three U.S. military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder following their service in Iraq — focusing on their struggle to reintegrate with the civilian world.”

10/28/16- An excellent review for this documentary in today’s NY Times. There may be a drama out there with the same name so make sure it’s the documentary that you look for. TRDB.

4) INTO THE INFERNO- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Ever the explorer of the world and human nature, director Werner Herzog travels with volcanologist Clive Oppenheimer to Earth’s most active volcanoes to gain insight into the role of volcanoes in shaping the planet physically and culturally.”

10/28/16- Good reviews by the critics and mediocre ones by audiences. TRDB.

5) A BILLION LIVES– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The United Nations’ World Health Organization projects that a billion people will die prematurely from smoking this century. In the next 20 years, there will be nearly 1.6 billion smokers around the world. A Billion Lives takes a critical look at the history of smoking and the corruption that’s led to the current situation where safer, healthier alternatives are banned or heavily restricted in most countries, while the cigarette trade is continually protected. The film examines major conflicts of interest and corruption between governments, big pharmaceutical companies, and public health officials.”

10/28/16- Good reviews by audiences. I’ve seen just 4 professional reviews– 3 are negative and 1 is positive. This movie can be streamed on Netflix right now. TRDB.

6) FINDING BABEL– 2016. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Isaac Babel’s writings are subversive masterpieces, challenging the ideology of the early Soviet Union, and resulting in his arrest and execution in 1940. On the 75th anniversary of Isaac Babel’s execution, Finding Babel follows Andrei Malaev-Babel, his grandson, on a journey to come closer to some sense of truth. Hoping to better understand Babel’s powerful artistic method and elusive persona, Andrei journeys through Ukraine, France and Russia; locations deeply tied to the story of his grandfather.”

10/28/16- Just a few reviews but they are all very good. TRDB.

7) MR. DONKEY– 2016. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In order to pay for the donkey that brings them water, a countryside village registers it as a teacher at its local school. But when the charity group that funds the school visits for an inspection, the village has to find ways to hide their secret.”

10/28/16- No reviews at present but this sounds funny. I’ll go for it. TRDB.

8)YOU’VE BEEN TRUMPED, TOO– 2016. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “You’ve Been Trumped Too is an explosive and revealing story that every American voter should watch. The film will be released in movie theaters in major British cities like London, Glasgow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast before the American election.

10/28/16- Just a few reviews but they are all good. TRDB.

9) HACKSAW RIDGE– Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a true story, this World War II drama focuses on Desmond T. Doss, a conscientious objector who becomes a hero while serving as an unarmed medic during the brutal and bloody fight for Okinawa.”

11/3/16- Very good reviews for this movie by Mel Gibson. TRDB. (opened 11/3)
10) THE EAGLE HUNTRESS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Aspiring to be an eagle hunter — a role historically performed only by men — Mongolian teen Aisholpan Nurgaiv dedicates herself to the art of taming and training golden eagles to hunt game in the stark Altai Mountains.”

11/3/16- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB. (opened 11/3)

11) DON’T CALL ME SON– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Taken from the woman who raised him after it’s learned that she snatched him at birth, cross-dressing teen Pierre is forced to live with his well-to-do biological parents. But as they try to shape him according to their standards, he begins to rebel.”

11/3/16- Fair reviews at best but a few of the reviews were very good. I’d try it. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) INFERNO- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Tom Hanks returns for a third outing as symbologist Robert Langdon. This time, Langdon awakens in an Italian hospital with no memory of the past few days and suddenly finds himself in a race to stop a madman from unleashing a plague on the world.”

10/28/16- Awful reviews and I include it only because of Tom Hanks. TRDB.

2) CROSSCURRENT- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “A trip down the Yangtze River becomes a meditation on life and death for cargo boat captain Gao Chun as he travels the waterway in the wake of his father’s death — liberating the soul of the older man while searching for his own soul mate.”

10/28/16- Just 2 professional reviews– 1 negative and the other weakly positive. I think I’d skip it for now. TRDB.

3) THE GREASY STRANGLER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When pudgy, unattractive Brayden inexplicably draws the attention of a winsome woman on the disco walking tour he runs with his dad, it sparks a romantic rivalry between father and son. Meanwhile, a lard-slathered maniac begins a killing spree.”

10/28/16- Generally poor reviews and I probably wouldn’t see this one even with good reviews. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
NEW ON COMCAST- NONE THAT I RECOMMEND
REPEATS-
1) 4th MAN OUT- I saw it and it was fun overall if a little too full of “frat-boy” behavior
2) ANTS ON A SHRIMP- Good reviews
3) THE BIG SHORT- Excellent movie and I liked it a lot
4) A BIGGER SPLASH- I liked this one very much
5) BROOKLYN- Liked it very much
6) CREED- Good reviews despite Sly Stallone
7) DANCER- I liked it very much
8)THE DANISH GIRL- Good movie- not great
9) DISORDER- Good reviews and I plan to see this soon
10) DOUGH- Most of my friends liked this movie- I didn’t
11) FOR THE LOVE OF SPOCK- Excellent reviews for this documentary
12) GLASSLAND- I liked it but a few too many loose ends at the conclusion
13) GRANDMA- Very good and not really a comedy despite Lilly Tomlin
14) THE GREAT GILLY HOPKINS- Good reviews
15) HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS- Very good reviews and I’ll see this one
16) HER- Enjoyable
17) A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING- I liked it
18)HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE- I enjoyed this movie
19) IMPERIUM- Good reviews
20) IN A VALLEY OF VIOLENCE- I liked this Western/Comedy
21) IN ORDER OF DISAPPEARANCE- Good reviews but NOT for me
22) THE INNOCENTS- I liked this very much
23) JOSHY- Just OK24) THE LAST MAN ON THE MOON- I liked this documentary that explored more than just the moon
25) LO AND BEHOLD- Good reviews
26) OUR KIND OF TRAITOR- Preposterous but OK
27) THE MEDDLER- Very enjoyable
28) MAGGIE’S PLAN- An enjoyable drama
29) OTHER PEOPLE- Sounds OK and I’ll probably see it eventually
30) PRESENTING PRINCESS SHAW- I liked it
31) ROOM- Fascinating
32) SING STREET- I liked it very much
33) SPOTLIGHT- Very, very good
34) STEVE JOBS- I liked it
35) TRUMBO- Great movie with great acting
36) WEINER- I saw it and it was painful to watch but a good documentary never-the-less
37) YOUTH- I liked this very much
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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-
NEW IN THE BURBS-
1) AQUARIUS– Jacob Burns. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “As the last remaining occupant of an old building in Recife, Brazil, 65-year-old Clara is determined to hang on to the home that has defined her life — despite generous offers from a developer who wants to clear the site for new construction.”

10/14/16- Excellent reviews by the critics and fairly good ones by audiences. TRDB.

2) HACKSAW RIDGE– Danbury. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a true story, this World War II drama focuses on Desmond T. Doss, a conscientious objector who becomes a hero while serving as an unarmed medic during the brutal and bloody fight for Okinawa.”

11/3/16- Very good reviews for this movie by Mel Gibson. TRDB.

REPEATS-
1) AMERICAN PASTORAL– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Poor reviews.
2) DENIAL– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I liked it.
3) A MAN CALLED OVE– Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Good reviews.
4) THE HANDMAIDEN– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Excellent reviews.
5) CERTAIN WOMEN– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I enjoyed the movie.
6) THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN– Bethel, Danbury. Weak reviews.
7) MOONLIGHT– Jacob Burns. I saw it this week and liked it although I had difficulty understand some of the ‘Hood’ speech.
8) HELL OR HIGH WATER– Garden Cinema Norwalk. Good reviews.
9) SULLY– Danbury. I liked it very much.
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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-
A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-
1) THE PICKLE RECIPE- Very few reviews but they are very good
2) DENIAL– I liked it but not as much as the critics
3) A MAN CALLED OVE– Good reviews
B) STONZEK AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-
1) PALIO– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Focusing on two of the primary jockeys — a smug veteran and his former apprentice — this engrossing documentary pulls back the curtain on the world’s oldest horse race, the Palio, where bribery, intrigue and corruption are considered de rigueur.”

11/6/15- Great reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

2) DEMON– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While digging the hole for a pool at his new home, soon-to-be husband Piotr comes across some old human remains. Keeping the find to himself, Piotr is assailed by deathly nightmares the night before his wedding — but the worst is yet to come.”

9/9/16- Very good reviews by the critics and mediocre ones by audiences. I’ll probably skip it. TRD

C) LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-
1) A MAN CALLED OVE– Good reviews
2) CERTAIN WOMEN– I saw it and liked it
3) DENIAL– I enjoyed the movie but was a bit disappointed
4) THE PICKLE RECIPE– Very few reviews but they are very good
5) ONCE IN A LIFETIME– Poor reviews
ENJOY!!
THE REEL DR. BOB

 

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